| |
Lagging
Loin Prices
It has been a tough week for pork cutout values. After
showing some signs of expected seasonal strength last week, the cutout
value fell from Monday through Wednesday, before gaining $0.94/cwt. on
Thursday. That still puts it at $2.13 below last week and over $12
lower than last year.
Altin Kalo of Steiner Consulting Group, writing in Thursday’s Daily
Livestock Report from Chicago Mercantile (CME) Group, pointed to lagging
loin prices as one of the key reasons for the continued weakness in the
pork cutout value. Figures 1 and 2 show prices of ¼-in. trim, 21 lb.
and down loins on a long-term and year-on-year basis, respectively, and
they do indeed suggest that loin prices are low on a historical
basis.
FULL ARTICLE
|
Prices
Improving, but Red Ink Persists
This week, we have seen a seasonal rally in cash hog
prices, rising to over $60/carcass cwt. Still, in order to be in the
black, prices need to increase to $70/carcass cwt. Even with improved
prices, the equity drain is continuing for the pork sector. The next
30-60 days are crucial for prices to rally to a level where the industry
can return to profitability. Many producers are tired. Working capital
is getting tighter by the day. Hopefully, the much-needed higher prices
will get here sooner rather than later.
Packers and Retailers Meet – I was fortunate to be invited to
a meeting, recently, that included pork packers and major retailers. I
am grateful to the National Pork Producers Council and the National Pork
Board, sponsors of the meeting, who asked me to speak to the group about
the economics of the swine industry. My presentation stressed that our
breakeven price to raise hogs to market weight has gone up over 30% –
returning to 2007 levels. Cost of production averaged about $160/head in
2008, while revenue came in at about $138/head. Price received was not
the problem. What it took to raise our product was, and those costs are
now higher than the industry has grown used to.
FULL ARTICLE
|
Climate
Change Debate Begins
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on energy and
environment began hearings this week to draft an energy/climate-change
bill to be introduced by Congressmen Henry Waxman (D-CA), chairman of
the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Ed Markey (D-MA). The
bill’s goal is to reduce global warming by reducing greenhouse gas
emissions to 83% below 2005 levels by 2050, through a cap-and-trade
system. The bill also establishes a renewable energy mandate that
requires 25% of U.S. power be generated from renewable sources by 2025.
Chairman Waxman’s goal is to have the bill pass the committee vote by
Memorial Day.
Corn Belt Could Face Loss from Global Warming — A study by
Environment America estimates that global warming could cost the U.S.
economy $1.4 billion/year in lost corn production. The study was based
on government and university data that projects warming temperatures
will reduce yields of the nation’s corn crop by 3% in the Midwest and
South, compared to projected yields without further global
warming.
FULL ARTICLE
|
Scientists Identify New Type Of Swine Flu in Humans
Seven cases of a unique type of swine flu in humans
have U.S. health officials concerned whether it is linked to a
strain responsible for more than 130 cases of severe respiratory
illness in Mexico.
The five individuals in California and two in Texas have all
recovered, and testing indicates that antiviral medications seem to
work against the virus.
But federal Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials worry because none
of the seven people were in contact with pigs, the normal route of
contracting swine flu, and only a few were in contact with each
other.
FULL ARTICLE
|
 M2P2, LLC has an opening for a full-time Territory
Manager. This person would be responsible for the overseeing of 45,000
spaces in Iowa. Ideal candidates must have the following
qualifications:
- Understanding of all aspects of the swine industry.
- Knowledge of project management discipline, (especially priority
setting and organization)
- Established skills in identifying and developing strategies to
address any process improvement opportunities.
- Proven conflict resolution skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Expected to take an active role in companies all ready established
bio-security and safety programs.
Salary range $60,000 to $100,000 based on experience and a benefit
package that includes medical, disability, life insurance, 401k, and
PTO. Interested candidates please mail your resume and cover letter to
M2P2, attn: Tracy Rogers, 1615 Golden Aspen Drive, Suite 104, Ames, Iowa
50010 or email resume and cover letter to trogers@m2p2.com.
M2P2, LLC is a progressive pork production company and employer of
choice in the industry. Formed in 2003, M2P2 merges expertise in all
phases of hog production, from birth to market, into one company. Today
M2P2, LLC operates in six states throughout the U.S. and is leading the
way in the pork production industry.
M2P2, LLC is an equal opportunity employer.
|
|
|
advertisement
Ileitis immunity is as easy as turning on the water. Enterisol
Ileitis protects your pigs with long-lasting immunity. It’s there when
you need it and it takes the guesswork out of ileitis control. Now
that’s what we call a liquid asset. Call Boehringer Ingelheim at
1-800-325-9167.
 |
BLUEPRINT
advertisement
FOR ROBUST RESULTS, GO TO THE SOURCE.
Our breeding technology is delivering what your operation demands, high
production results across a wide range
of environmental conditions. Count on the industry leader. Go to the
trusted source.
 |
MAGAZINE HIGHLIGHTS
advertisement
Denagard® 10 plus CTC. The right choice at just the
right time.
 |
POSTERS
SUBSCRIBER TOOLS
advertisement
Swine Handling & Transport Forum – Des Moines Marriott
Downtown – Des Moines, IA – June 2, 2009
The forum will provide pork producers, swine handlers and transporters
with current information about the handling, transportation and
marketing of pigs. Presented by the Pork Checkoff, National Hog
Farmer and the National Pork Producers Council. Visit pork.org for more information.
 |
|
|
